Trail summary

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Quick overview: Challenge yourself on the 14km Flaggy Creek Gorge Walk, a Grade 4 trail nestled in Australia. Commencing at an old quarry, this hard-return hike offers captivating views of the Murray River and the serene beauty of Flaggy Creek Gorge. Traverse through granite boulders, open grassy areas, and unique plant species like the rare Crimson Grevillea. Remember to pack plenty of water for this summer-exposed track. A rewarding endeavour for adventurous hikers and bushwalkers.

Length: 14km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Kurrajongs Picnic Area

End: Kurrajongs Picnic Area

Location: Mount Lawson State Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Tallangatta

From state capital: 429km

Latitude: -35.95610656

Longitude: 147.41986155509952

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Safety advice

Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

Hike overview

Flaggy Creek Gorge Walk: The Flaggy Creek Gorge walk is a challenging 7-hour return hike featuring several demanding climbs, but the effort is well rewarded with spectacular views and the serene beauty of Flaggy Creek Gorge. The track is highly exposed during summer, and there are no water sources along the way, so ensure you carry plenty of drinking water.

If you're looking for a shorter walk, consider the 3km return trip to Valley View for a rewarding experience in less time.

Track Sections

Kurrajongs to Valley View (1.5km): This section involves a continuous climb through granite boulders and is physically demanding, with very few flat areas. The walk begins at an old quarry, passes through an open grassy area, and continues along the track, which winds through a large cut log before heading south and ascending steeply.

At Valley View, you’ll be treated to stunning views stretching along the Murray River and across the northern end of the park. Take caution here, as there are unguarded cliff edges.

Valley View to The Oaks (3.5km): The track follows the ridgeline for about a kilometre before descending into a small saddle. Beyond this point, the views expand as the track skirts the side of Mount Porcupine, descending into a prominent saddle.

The final stretch is more strenuous, with over a kilometre of uphill climbing to The Oaks. This area gets its name from the Drooping She-oaks (Allocasuarina verticillata), which thrive in the dry, rocky environment alongside Blakely's Red Gum, the dominant eucalypt species.

The Oaks to Flaggy Creek Gorge (2km): From The Oaks, the track descends through Drooping She-oaks and Fringe Myrtle, leading toward the gorge. After about 1.5km, you’ll reach the gorge wall, offering fantastic views of the rocky waterfalls along Flaggy Creek.

The track continues along the top of the gorge, weaving through boulders and showcasing unique plant species, including the rare Crimson Grevillea. The journey culminates at the head of Flaggy Creek Gorge, where the track descends to the water. Here, you’ll find a series of small pools and waterfalls—a perfect spot to cool off, explore, and enjoy your lunch before making the return journey.

Tips

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Walk:

Be prepared for changing weather: Conditions can shift unexpectedly, so pack warm, waterproof clothing and bring high-energy snacks to stay fuelled.
Wear appropriate footwear: Tracks may be steep, uneven, or slippery. Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots are essential.
Carry enough water: Permanent water sources are limited in the park, so ensure you bring plenty of drinking water for your walk.
Stay cautious off-track: If venturing off the main trails, be mindful of abandoned mine shafts and stick to visible paths where possible.
Exercise caution near cliffs: Stay alert around cliff edges, and watch for loose or falling rocks.
Navigate with confidence: Remote tracks may not be well-marked. Carry a detailed map, compass, or GPS device to avoid getting lost.

Map and GPX file

Flaggy Creek Gorge Hike (14km)

Total distance: 11617 m
Max elevation: 503 m
Min elevation: 208 m
Total climbing: 911 m
Total descent: -911 m

Download file: Flaggy-Creek-Gorge-Walking-Track.gpx

Getting there

Flaggy Creek Gorge Hike (14km)

Closest towns to this walk: Wodonga, Yackandandah, Beechworth, Wangaratta, Chiltern

Mount Lawson State Park is located about 70km east of Albury-Wodonga. It lies between the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River. Mt Lawson Road provides unsealed, fine weather, two wheel drive access to most popular visitor areas. Vehicle access to the northern part of the park is possible at The Kurrajongs.

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

About the region

Mount Lawson State Park is a sanctuary of natural beauty and biodiversity, making it an essential conservation site for rare plant and animal species.

For hiking enthusiasts, the park offers a variety of short to medium-length walking tracks that lead to stunning lookouts and serene water features nestled within rugged, rocky creeks.

Visit in spring to witness vibrant displays of native wildflowers carpeting the landscape. The park boasts nearly 300 native plant species, including several rare varieties.

Explore the park’s diverse forests, which change with elevation:

On the high slopes, wander through open forests of Narrow-leaf Peppermint, Candlebark, Manna Gum, Blue Gum, and Brittle Gum.
On the lower slopes, you’ll find Red Stringybark, Long-leaf Box, Red Box, and Broad-leaf Peppermint.
The steep, dry northern slopes are dominated by Black Cypress-pine and Kurrajong trees.

Mount Lawson is also a haven for native wildlife. Keep an eye out for Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Red-necked and Black Wallabies, and the iconic Common Wombat. Birdwatchers might be lucky enough to spot the elusive Barking Owl, a rare species in Victoria, along with a variety of other birdlife.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Flaggy Creek Gorge Hike (14km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail summary

Safety advice